Ford Rouge Truck Plant

The Ford truck plant in Dearborn, Michigan was redesigned by William McDonough + Partners with the environment and sustainability in mind. This enormous manufacturing facility received a complete makeover to revitalize the area and optimize the impact of its industrial activity.

The Ford plant's most striking feature is its 10-acre 'living' green grass roof, which is the largest roof of its kind in the world. The roof serves several important functions both for the plant and the environment. The grass and other planted flora will absorb about half of the rainfall on its surface and will provide a clean habitat for local wildlife. It will also insulate the building--thereby decreasing energy costs--and protect the roof from UV damage and thermal shock.

Abundant skylights and light monitors provide plenty of safe daylight on the factory floor. An air delivery system that turns the building into a giant, pressurized air duct keeps the indoor climate comfortable and eco-friendly.

Native songbirds adopted the green roof just days after it was laid, making it their new nesting ground.